Just so you girls don't feel bad about my miscommunications and not keeping things straight - well I had the vacation thing wrong. So see, it not just you all that have to put up with this problem LOL I thought the plant was going to be shut down awhile and that is why Steve wanted to take vaction. I was wrong. The mandatory part is that the employees HAVE to take their two week vacation anywhere between July 16th and the end of August. The plant will still be open.

Steve is going to ask for the weeks of July 16th and July 23rd off work. He worked last night 3rd shift so I didn't see him until I got home from work tonight. As I told you guys he was all huffy last night when I tried to talk to him about the vacation but he brought it up tonight. He says we will probably drive across country and get this - he said we could come to California first!!! He must have felt bad about last night

I copied off Angels, Dodgers, and Padres schedules and see that the Padres and Dodgers have home games that first week. I told him I would check with you all to see how those weeks work out because you have your own vacation plans as well I will work around.

If these dated don't work out for you I am sure mom's house will sell by August so would sometime in August work out better? I would come out on my own then and will fly out. I know DB mentioned she was definitely planning on going to the August 30th Dodger game which would be fun because I think that is the Vin Scully Bobblehead give-away day.

I will be in touch with DB more about this but wanted to get these days to you all to see if they would fit around what you all have going on.

It's almost 10:30 pm here so I'm going to sign off for the night and get to bed. We are expecting a huge snowstorm here and I don't know if I will have trouble getting to work tomorrow or will even be going in. It's suppose to start here around 3 a.m._________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

Yay! I'm glad you have that flexibility. July or August sound fine to me; I think I would just be gone a few days in August, but at this time I can arrange them around you. I just didn't want to have to wait until way down the line to know when you were coming and have it not work out.

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he said we could come to California first!!!

Wow, I'm surprised he has agreed to be part of that trip too--since he didn't seem excited about going anywhere to begin with. That will make it better for you, too.

Stay safe in the snow and hopefully all will be well. Just keep us posted and I'm sure the others will respond as far as how these dates work out.

It's good to hear something concrete may be figured out soon!_________________"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

It is good to know you will finally be getting away! I will be on leave and unavailable for most of the time from February 1 through August 1. I still need to post the details for everyone else, but I will be out of the country while I'm taking a leave of absence from work. I should probably be back in town by the end of July, though, so go ahead and make some plans. I should be able to work around it. Time is running out at the library so I have to get off the site now. Have a good weekend everyone.

This is really good news!_________________"Baseball is an allegorical play about America, a poetic, complex, and subtle play of courage, fear, good luck, mistakes, patience about fate, and sober self-esteem." - Saul Steinberg

I don't know if I'll get to meet you Sunnyblue as we will be back home by the end of July. However, there is the season after next. Maybe I'll come out there two years in a row I am really looking forward to watching the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, getting a glimpse of Vin Scully, and do some Dodger shopping I am nostalgic for the Brooklyn Dodgers but I will always be a Dodger fan.

It surprised me too that my husband wants to drive to California first and then up to Washington Driving will probably take up most of our trip but the advantage is, we will get to see alot on the way out there and on the way home._________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

Well that's true, there is the season after next. I'm just glad you will get the chance to be there for the 50th anniversary. Even if you don't meet me that's an important thing because of how special Dodger Stadium is!

It will be great to be out there for the 50th anniversary but I would have loved to have met you also Sunnyblue _________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

Hmmm, I foresee a couple of problems. I love that you are driving out here but how can you get to a Dodger home game if they're only home through July 18? It will take you a few days to get here since it's a 1500-mile drive. They then fly to the East Coast. The Padres will be home all week, though._________________"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

I have the baseball schedules at home but I too noticed the Dodgers home games that first week of our vacation are early in the week and mentioned it to Steve. He said if we get started early that prior weekend we should be able to make it. If I remember correctly there is a Tuesday game I did see the Padres had some home games also. It would be nice to be able to see both teams play but I am really, really getting excited about seeing Dodger Stadium And getting some Dodger stuff to take home with me (Steve's gonna love that LOL)

I will get back to you on this when I get home and talk to Steve._________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

Okay--you're right, there is a Tuesday game, and that is a game I could make it to, and you know I plan to meet you there and show you around. So don't leave me out of the equation! But you are still going to be pushing it. That's 500 miles a day you'll have to drive in 3 days and that would barely put you in L.A. by Tuesday morning--that's really crunching a lot of time. And that's only if you rush through the other states and don't stop for anything, which kind of defeats the purpose of driving--get a chance to see the rest of the country. As one who has taken multiple cross-country drives, I can attest to this. If you plan to take your time you would be more likely to enjoy it. Now, granted, the last 300 miles or so you won't miss much because there's not much to stop for between Phoenix and L.A.

I don't know how far you've been out of Iowa--how much have you driven west at all in your life? There is a lot to see in the Rocky Mountain states, some very beautiful scenery.

I really have to stress this much, because I've helped a lot of people on-line plan vacations to and around California. Don't push it. Many I know have tried to cram too many things into too little time, and they find they get less enjoyment out of it. I speak from knowledge, and unless you can fully allow enough time, I feel it detracts from the overall experience.

For example, I have had posters on various sites say, "We plan to go Universal Studios and Farmer's Market and then have dinner and go to a game at Dodger Stadium afterward." I have had to tell them in terms of time, what to expect as far as traffic and parking go, and advise them to cut the dinner, get on the freeway early, and get to the ballpark early (before the gates open). Later, those same people end up arriving in the third inning because "we didn't think it would be quite as bad as you said getting across town."

Also, please don't assume (and that means your husband, too--you know how stubborn men can be) something will work when those who've experienced the same issues on a regular basis advise you not to do something because the logistics are unrealistic. I can't tell you how many of those trip takers have come back and posted to me and others on a site, "I wish I had listened to your suggestions."

Of course there are always unexpected things that will come up--but planning carefully will eliminate a lot of problems!

And here's another thing to consider: If you're planning to come to a Padres game later in the week after you go to a Dodger game, you will be retracing your steps. You'll have to drive 100 miles south, out of your way, and then north again back to L.A. in order to head to Washington, which isn't quite as efficient time-wise.

If you can give me a timeline of how long you expect to spend in Washington and when you hope to arrive there, I can get a feel for what would work best for you as far as spending time in Socal. It will take you another two full days to drive from here to there (without much stopping, assuming 10 hours of driving per day). However, you can maximize your enjoyment of the spectacular scenery between here and there. If you add another day to your trip between Socal and Washington, you can see AT&T Park, which is the most beautiful of all the newer (post-1990) ballparks I've been to, and probably of the ones I haven't been to as well. That's despite the team that plays there!--and it's because it's located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a ballpark which really takes advantage of its location. The Jints won't be home (thankfully!) but a tour of the ballpark is highly recommended if you can't attend a game there.

In any case, I would like to try and make it as efficient a trip for you both as possible. Since your husband doesn't seem to care or have anything on his must-do list, that leaves only you to work around so maybe that will help some.

P.S. Just checked that July 18 game and I am definitely there! It was on my list of promotional games to attend. Not only do you get a ballgame on a summer's evening, being in the same house as the great Vin Scully--those two would seem like the perfect souvenir, right?--but a tangible, take-home reminder of your trip--a Dodgers beach chair! Something tells me they'll be only handing out vouchers, but I'm sure we can pick the beach chairs up the next day wherever they are available. Something fun to take back to Iowa._________________"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

Steve says we will defintely make it for the Dodgers game Tuesday July 17th even if he has to drive into each night on the way out. He said he's done that going to Seattle in the past so he will do it so I can make it to the Dodgers game. We would start out Saturday afternoon the 14th, as he will have worked all night Friday night and will sleep Sat. morning. He says we will be in California that Monday. We will stay in LA from Monday the 16th through the 19th.

Of course you are part of the equation DB We would love to meet you at the game, grab a bite to eat at the park, and have you show us around the stadium. I look forward to your expertise in all things Dodger Plus the promotional beach chair give-away would be a great souvenir. Though I also plan to shop, shop, shop for Dodger things.

Steve said it won't bother him if we spent a day in San Diego and took in a Padres game even though it would be backtracking. I see they play Houston July 18th and 19th. We could go to one of those games and then start for Seattle on July 20th.

What a husband He is going to California for me. He has been to California years ago - separate trips to San Diego, San Francisco, and LA and he said he's seen everything in California he wants to see but he would go there so I can go to a Dodgers game. I told him I could go out to LA on my own in August (surely mom's house would sell by then) but he doesn't want me going out there by myself. He was worried about how I would get around by myself, staying in a motel by myself at night, etc.

I visited LA right after high school graduation but didn't make it to a Dodgers game. I went out to visit a pen pal who was interested, as I was at the time, in old movies and stars of the 1930s and 1940s. We went to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios, the Wm Randolph Hearst estate, Grauman's Chinese Theatre. I let her family decide what I should see since I'd never been out there before.

This kind of gives you a ballpark (pardon the pun lol) figure on our plans. The Dodgers game on July 17th is a definite and you and I can talk further about anything else.

I agree that driving out the way we are going to do it defeats the purpose of seeing alot of the way out but my main destination is Dodger Stadium. I won't miss a Dodger game at Dodger Stadium for anything Steve says we will take more time on the way home from Seattle to do some sightseeing.

Of course I'll be in touch about all this as the weeks go by but did want to let you know what we came up with for dates so far. The Padres game is tentative for now depending on what else you feel we should see in LA that Steve and I haven't seen._________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

Oh, good--I'm glad you have had the chance to do some things out here on a trip to L.A. before. I wasn't sure if you'd ever been anywhere out this way.

That's great; I will put in for the day of July 17 off. You may be on your own the next day because it's my mom's birthday, but I can see you again and you can meet Cathy, if you come to San Diego and get to a game at Petco Park, maybe July 19. What day do you plan to arrive in Seattle? Or I guess I should ask, how long do you plan to stay in Seattle? Since that's his family, I wouldn't want to siphon time away from getting you guys up there to your destination.

As for your husband, wow...if he feels he can drive that many miles in just two days to get from Iowa to L.A., good for you both._________________"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

He told me to tell you not to worry about feeling you are taking any time away from Seattle. There is no set time to be there. He was mainly worried about me getting to the Dodgers game Our tentative plan to get to Seattle is the following Monday but like I said, he is not so concerned about when we get there as making sure we get to Dodger Stadium. He is so quiet it's hard to tell when he is really excited about something but I think as hard as he is trying to get me to the game that he is just as excited about going

I wanted to let you know that in the previous post Steve wasn't saying he's seen everything in California he wants to see in a snotty way. He just figured we wouldn't have to see the same things again. We could see things we haven't seen like Dodger Stadium and Petco Park. He was the one who suggested still going to a Padres game even though it would mean backtracking.

The Padres game on the 19th sounds like a great idea. Another definite

Of course do not worry about not seeing us on your mom's birthday. There is so much to do and see I'm sure we will keep busy and hopefully we can meet up with Cathy. I look forward to meeting her very much.

I thought of something funny last night when I was thinking about the trip. I'm so use to calling you DB and Cathy Forloveofthegame I'll probably naturally slip into those names when I'm out there _________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

I agree, he must be keeping the pedal to the metal for that. Lol. Sounds like quite a trip. You will have a great time, I'm sure and get to meet new friends! Getting to go to a favorite destination you've wished to see for many years - and a break from all the stress with your brothers, although by then you would hope the house will be sold.

I am looking forward to your visit to San Diego & both Linda & I are available to help with details if you wish. I'm glad your husband is coming around on this and wants to make you happy. That should be worth something too. And whatever you wish to call me is fine even if by that name

Make sure to take Highway 1 up the coast to Oregon & Washington. You will fall in love with that drive. It's very peaceful and oh so pretty._________________"Baseball is an allegorical play about America, a poetic, complex, and subtle play of courage, fear, good luck, mistakes, patience about fate, and sober self-esteem." - Saul Steinberg

I am so grateful to you both for wanting to help me out with details All I can think about right now is that I will actually be going to a Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium It will be much more fun than seeing them on the road

I can't wait to meet you and Linda in person You both have put up with so much on this site from me and how your patience hasn't worn thin with me I don't know I think I would have kicked myself off the site a long time ago

I look forward to meeting you Cathy and having you sharing your love of the Padres with Steve and I _________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

To DB & everyone else here, keep in mind Opening day at Del Mar is 7/18 (your mom's birthday) and the traffic is a bit crazy the first week every year. That may be something Gil Hodges fan will wish to think about as for when she and her husband drive down this way. You two can remind them later on when it gets closer.

I know for sure you guys will have a great time at Dodger Stadium. Gil Hodges fan, will you be taking Rt. 66 after all? Since one of the very best attractions on Rt. 66 is when it goes right by Dodger Stadium! Right before the road ends in a few miles at the ocean. I will also suggest some special tourist attractions for someone like you to see in the 6300 & 6600 blocks of Hollywood Blvd. & also at the Kodak Theater.

We have Dodger Stadium in our Garman so I will look at the route. Thanks for the heads up on Del Mar.

I would welcome some suggestions as to a few things to see as all I can think of are the baseball games :lol Thank you so much Sunnyblue _________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

LOL, Sunny--I'm glad you suggested baseball-related tourist attractions for her! The Dodgers' presence is all around the city.

True, Dodger Stadium is one of the sites of interest as Route 66 runs out of miles._________________"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

Sunnyblue. That would be funny to buy Iowa meat in California and take it back to Iowa I know it can't be done (easily anyway) but it would be funny to bring Iowa meat home as a souvenir for family from my trip _________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

What is Iowa By the Sea? All the Iowa connections are interesting Sunnyblue Must be a lot of transplanted Iowans out there. Can't say as I blame them. The older I get, the worse I hate winter. It does make me appreciate Spring all the more though _________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

The LBC, as I understand it, that's how it got its name is from all the Iowa transplants. You will sure have a lot of fun planning this trip as it gets closer! _________________"Baseball is an allegorical play about America, a poetic, complex, and subtle play of courage, fear, good luck, mistakes, patience about fate, and sober self-esteem." - Saul Steinberg

It will almost be a coin toss as to what we'll see - there is so much to consider I will definitely have to make another trip out there the summer following this one._________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

I am posting back to you here, Gil Hodges fan. You mentioned about your vacation plans in the Holidays thread so I thought I would give some thoughts.

My first response is that if you're here in San Diego on 7/16 it will probably not work out for us. We'll be in the Bay Area that weekend for a wedding and would probably stay over the extra day. I know I would not be able to convince my husband to rush back down here. I was going by your post above in this thread which says,

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The Padres game on the 19th sounds like a great idea. Another definite

If you're going to be back out here the next summer that will not be a big deal except that I know Linda had something in the works as far as getting tickets for the 19th. On where to stay - I don't know what you want to be near when you're in San Diego but at peak season most motels are not too cheap. But since you're not relying on public transportation you could stay on the outskirts and probably save a bit of money compared to right in the city._________________"Baseball is an allegorical play about America, a poetic, complex, and subtle play of courage, fear, good luck, mistakes, patience about fate, and sober self-esteem." - Saul Steinberg

That was my definite which was definite when Steve mentioned going to California. DB had mentioned that it would be backtracking a bit to go to LA first and then to San Diego which I mentioned to Steve and he said that would be okay. Then about a week ago he said we should go to San Diego first. He's at work right now but I know he does want me to talk things over with you and DB about the games, etc. soon.

I will discuss with him about leaving it as it was in the beginning. That way we can all go to the Padres game and I will have a chance to meet you.

I am not sure I will still be awake when he gets home tonight. I stayed home today still recovering from the flu but I hope to go back to work tomorrow so I thought about going to bed before he gets off work at 11 pm. I usually stay up that late but I am feeling pretty tired and it's 9:15 p.m. here now.

I will be in touch with you both tomorrow._________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

Let's see what he says first. If not, I'll see if I can juggle some things.

As for where to stay, I'm not sure I'd make a good recommendation in L.A., myself, but I'll check around. I would think it depends on what you have planned and what you want to do, particularly since the traffic in general is much worse there than it is here. Once you decide, you can go from there.

I agree with Cathy's suggestion about not staying right in the heart of the city in San Diego. You wouldn't be too far from most places of interest, since the metro area in general is pretty compact; even if you stayed in East County (which is HOT) you could be in the city pretty quickly._________________"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

It is fine with Steve to leave things as we first arranged them. The Dodgers game first on Tuesday, July 17th and the Padres game on Thursday, July 19th.

I'll be in contact with you one of these evenings DB to get more things sorted out _________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)

I posted in another thread about an email I sent you but I thought I might mention it here, too._________________"Baseball is an allegorical play about America, a poetic, complex, and subtle play of courage, fear, good luck, mistakes, patience about fate, and sober self-esteem." - Saul Steinberg

Of course you know I received your email because I answered it. I also saw you emailed me back again. I took the afternoon off work because I had to have a tooth pulled. Good thing I did because it is taking forever to clot. If I don't answer your email back this evening I will answer it from work tomorrow morning._________________"If you had a son it would be a great thing for him to grow up to be just like Gil Hodges" -Pee Wee Reese (Brooklyn Dodgers)